The Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS), the nonprofit organization managing research onboard the International Space Station (ISS) U.S. National Laboratory, today announced the funding of an unsolicited proposal in the field of nanofluidics.
Drs. Alessandro Grattoni and Mauro Ferrari at The Methodist Hospital Research Institute will receive approximately $200,000 in CASIS funding for their project, which seeks to determine the physical phenomena involved in nanofluidics.
Past research has shown that fluid transport through extremely small channels (at the nanoscale, where fluid molecules highly interact with pore walls) occurs differently than in larger-sized systems–and these differences must be better understood to improve the use of nanofluidics for clinical medicine and diagnosis, including the engineering of drug delivery systems and biological imaging agents. The awarded project will examine the feasibility of modeling nanofluidics by studying slightly larger (microscale) systems of fluid transport in space, which will allow greater control of the experimental system.
Final award of grant money is contingent upon the acceptance of legal terms and conditions between recipients and CASIS.
“Unsolicited proposals provide an opportunity to investigate research areas not previously identified within the CASIS research pathway model,” said CASIS Interim Executive Director Jim Royston. “Through funding unsolicited proposals such as this, CASIS continues in its mission to fund quality research in a variety of fields that will create a better tomorrow for those on Earth.”
CASIS evaluates unsolicited proposals on a regular basis for scientific and economic merit and potential impact. In some instances, CASIS can provide funding to assist highly qualified research to be performed on the ISS U.S. National Laboratory.
For additional information about unsolicited proposals, including instructions on submitting research ideas, please visit: www.iss-casis.org/Opportunities/UnsolicitedProposals.aspx
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About CASIS: The Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS) was selected by NASA in July 2011 to maximize use of the International Space Station (ISS) U.S. National Laboratory through 2020. CASIS is dedicated to supporting and accelerating innovations and new discoveries that will enhance the health and wellbeing of people and our planet. The CASIS goal is to bring the magic of space down to earth. For more information, visit www.iss-casis.org.
About the ISS National Laboratory: In 2005, Congress designated the U.S. portion of the International Space Station as the nation’s newest national laboratory to maximize its use for improving life on Earth, promoting collaboration among diverse users and advancing STEM education. This unique laboratory environment is available for use by other U.S. government agencies and by academic and private institutions, providing access to the permanent microgravity setting, vantage point in low earth orbit and varied environments of space. The ISS National Laboratory Office at NASA’s Johnson Space Center currently facilitates research initiatives on board the station’s National Lab, but management of America’s only in-orbit laboratory is transitioning to CASIS.
